Enjoying A Yacht Charter At the Olympics: A Remarkable Experience

Valef Yachts offers a unique and memorable way to visit this world-famous event

December 2 2003--The Olympics. It began in 776 BC in Greece and after 2700 years it will return once again to its native land - Greece, the birthplace of democracy and of the ancient and modern Olympic Games.

Valef Yachts is busily sprucing up and developing an even larger fleet of charter yachts to help accommodate the discriminating clientele that is expected to visit Greece.

This is a fabulous and unique venue hard to imagine, says Bill Lefakinis, Chairman of Valef Yachts. Our guests will be aboard over 400 private yachts, while settled in comfort and ease. All of this is within a short distance to all the game pavilions and downtown historic Athens. Another advantage is that this is a safe and secure environment for housing Olympic guests that is unmatched.

Lefakinis emphasizes that there are numerous advantages to visiting the Olympics in Greece and enjoying the convenience of staying on a yacht.

Our guests enjoy having their own private crew. There is day cruising between the games, while we simultaneously provide the ability to entertain lavishly. We also offer expert personal service. Accessible and personally arranged transportation is always present, along with unmatched personal attention and impeccable 24 hour service. All of this takes place within a quiet marina atmosphere with security maintained at its highest level, Lefakinis says.

The Christina O

Meanwhile, Lefakinis recalls that no one back in 1943 in Canada could have guessed the future fame of the frigate Stormont. This convoy escort was eventually purchased by Aristotle Onassis in 1954 and a legend was created. The ship then became the world's grandest and most exalted yacht: Onassis' legendary Christina".

In 1998, the ship was purchased by a new owner, a family friend of Onassis. She then became the "Christina O". The ship has now been restored to her old glory, through a complete $60 Million Dollar refurbishment and repowering by the world's leading experts.

Her history is unique, Lefakinis says. We are very proud to represent this amazing ship for yacht charters in Greece. Once aboard, it is hard not to sail back in time with the likes of Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace, Frank Sinatra. Some people say they can almost feel the presence of the legendary Aristotle Onassis and Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis.
The Christina O accommodates her passengers in the utmost quality and luxury for up to 36 passengers in 17 suites and one remarkable owners suite. She is matched by a crew of 36, making her service the best available in any private yacht for charter.

Bill Lefakinis is accustomed to providing Valef Yachts clients with convenience and pampered luxury. He feels that a charter of the Christina O during the 2004 Olympics will be a truly remarkable experience.

Picture this, he says. The Onassis Suite is comprised of three rooms a large bedroom, bathroom and study totaling 687 square feet. The bedroom features a king-size bed covered in fine Venetian linens, custom made furniture from Milian and Onasis original Baccarat crystal wall lights. The wood-paneled study features the original onyx fireplace, leather furniture and handmade Austrian lamps. There is a writing desk featuring silver-embossed stationery. The bathroom is complete with double sinks and a bathtub with a six-head shower. The Suite also features three large walk-in closets, two surround sound stereo systems with DVD and CD players and televisions.

The other 17 staterooms range between 150 and 236 square feet and are named after a Greek Island, Lefakinis continues. Stateroom features include a double bed or two twin-size beds with fine Venetian linens, seating area with antique prints of the Greek Islands, leather-inlaid secretaire, mirrored walk-in closets, surround sound stereo systems with CD and DVD players and views of the sea. All bathrooms feature six-head massage showers.

Lefakinis notes that perhaps the most famous spot on the ship is Aris Bar. The bar contains barrels and sea chests hinting of pirate treasure, along with an illustrated wall map of the world. The bar itself is made from the timbers of a Spanish galleon. The edge is fitted with handles made from two outward-pointed whales teeth.

A lapis lazuli fireplace is the focal point of the Lapis Lounge. Bookshelves are filled with rare volumes while the walls are lined with fine art.

The centerpiece of the deck is the restored bronze-bordered pool inlaid with exquisite mosaic. To the delight of the guests, with the push of a button, the bottom of the pool rises above the water to become a dance floor.

This banquet size Formal Dining Room seats up to 40 passengers. Paintings of the Onassis family at play grace the walls around the hand-finished tables, which are adorned with Venetian lace tablecloths, Eruis silverware, and Waterford glassware.

The oak paneled Library is filled with books in several languages from around the world. It also provides two desks for writing and is a wonderful place for reading rare volumes.

The Music Lounge, another delightful area, is not only furnished with a grand piano, but it also has the only Gold Disc ever awarded to Maria Callas.

The Show Lounge houses video equipment and a stereo system. It has a presentation platform along with huge bay windows offering breathtaking views.

The Childrens Room is brightly decorated with a whimsical wall mural and is the perfect spot for children to convene.

Whether considering this fabulous yacht or one of the many other yachts offered by Valef Yachts through out the charter season, it surely is the best way to see the wonderful islands of Greece, Lefakinis observes. The Olympics are made up of dreams, hopes and desires, so why not add to this special dream and charter a yacht for the Olympic Games 2004 in Athens?

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Booking and requests are handled by Valef Yachts North American Headquarters in Pennsylvania. For further information please contact Valef Yachts Ltd.,
E-mail: e-mail protected from spam bots, Website: www.Valefyachts.com,
Tel: 800-223-3845 or 215-641-1624.